Parents of students at the Foothills Composite received word from Alberta Health Services that two cases of Pertussis, commonly known as Whooping Cough have been confirmed at the school.

The respiratory disease is very contagious and largely preventable through immunization.

David Strong, Calgary's lead medical officer with the AHS says whooping cough is particularly dangerous for infants.

"Our main concern is children under the age of one and pregnant women, as pregnant women could be infectious and transmit it to their newborn. The really serious complications of pertussis are with infants under the age of one."

Strong said the simplest way to prevent the spread of the disease is vaccination.

"The vaccine is effective; we really want to encourage parents to get their children brought up to date, that's a very important part of our strategy around controlling pertussis in the province."

Anyone displaying symptoms of pertussis are encouraged to consult a physician.

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